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The Charity Walk-run 3rd ACCORHOTELS

The 3rd ACCOR HOTELS “Heartbreak” Hill Mini-Marathon 2017 held as a part of ACCOR HOTELS CSR commitment in Southern Thailand on 17th September 2017 at Khao Khad, Cape Panwa, Phuket, Thailand.

Accorhotels Southern Thailand once again organized the exciting and challenging event, the 3rd “Heartbreak” Hill Mini- Marathon 2017 at Khao Khad, Cape Panwa.

Mr. James Murphy, Area General Manager for Accor luxury hotel brands in Southern Thailand welcomed the guests of honor and runners in the early morning of September 17 after a warm up exercise.

It was our honor to welcome Mr. Noraphat Plodthong, Phuket Governor alongside with Phuket Vice Governor, Mr. Snith Sriwihok; the Deputy Commander, Third Naval Area Command; Phuket Public Relations Director of NBT Phuket; Director of Tourism and Sports, Phuket; Director of Sports Authority of Thailand Phuket Offi ce and followers and also general managers from AccorHotels Southern along with Talents and Culture AccorHotels Southern.

The Phuket Governor conducted the opening ceremony, then the 3,500 participants were ready to tackle either the 6km Fun run or the mini marathon 13km. As the excitement built runners started the course, a new location for the annual Heartbreak Hill event. The run led them through Khao Khad View Point up to the hills and along the beach and past the rubber trees around Cape Panwa area. It was the first year the route was held In this scenic location having changed from the Naithon area to this new course. The challenge was running up and down hills alongside entertaining groups from cheerleader groups and music along the way.

The annual AccorHotels Heatbreak Hill Mini Marathon’s major purpose is to raise funds for local schools in Phuket and nearby provinces and support their Projects AccorHotels Yim Kids and Planet 21, which are part of Accor Hotels Corporate Social Responsibility. This charity fundraising is a good cause with 3,500 running tickets sold and over 2,500 runners joining the event.

Encouraging the runners on the hills were cheerleader groups, DJs and other forms of entertainment. Additionally the event served to encourage everyone to strengthen their bodies with exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle that provides a social connection between runners, hotel guests, associates, school children, university students, government officers and the local communities of Phuket and nearby provinces.

There is no other mini marathon on the island that has this type of challenge and excitement. All of this takes place in the natural scenery around Cape Panwa, Khao Kad View Point, Ao Yon and the area. It is hoped the hill will be renamed “Heartbreak Hill” in honor of the event as a reminder to those people training in the future for the mini marathon.

The race started at Ban Ao Nam Bo School on Sunday, September 17 at 6am with an award presentation, vouchers presentation and activities. The event was successfully organized by many sponsors and valuable support from government offices, administrative offices, organizations, participants and the Accor Hotels team. We are looking forward to collaborating with everyone again at the next annual event.

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